Written question asked by Jeremy Corbyn (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 September 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 September 2008. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

P5 Technical Laboratories

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the agenda is for the meeting of the P5 technical laboratories to be hosted by the UK; when the meeting will take place; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: In offering to host a P5 conference between the laboratories of the Nuclear Weapon States, I proposed that it should take place within the current Nuclear non-proliferation treaty review cycle ending in 2010. The UK preference would be to hold the conference in the second half of 2009. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasise that this will be a P5 conference hosted by the UK rather than a UK conference to which our P5 partners are simply invited. My officials are continuing to engage with our P5 partners to ensure the agenda for the conference meets each nation's requirements in terms of timing and content. I will keep the House informed of progress.

Secondary information